Hull FC keep play-off hopes alive with victory over Salford Red Devils
Last Updated: 04/08/17 11:35pm
Hull started the Super 8s by beating Salford 32-18 at the KCOM Stadium to keep alive their hopes of a play-off place.
This was a game between two sides who experienced contrasting fortunes in the Challenge Cup semi-finals last weekend, and two tries from Carlos Tuimavave and a stand-out show from Jake Connor helped Hull over the line.
Salford, who were beaten by Wigan five days earlier to see their cup hopes dashed, opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
Manu Vatuvei had only been in the country a couple of days before the semi-final, but he scored his first try in the Super 8s when Hull switched off defensively on their right side. Todd Carney missed the conversion, but Salford led 4-0.
The lead lasted barely five minutes. Following a penalty, Albert Kelly made amends for knocking on when trying to catch the opening kick-off, easing his way through the Red Devils defence to score his 19th try of the season.
Connor's conversion gave cup finalists Hull a 6-4 lead after 15 minutes.
It got better for Hull in their next set when Connor, despite taking a blow to the face, provided the try assist for Tuimavave to slide over. Connor recovered from his knock to extend Hull's lead to 12-4.
Niall Evalds scored a superb solo try teasing Jamie Shaul and Tuimavave one way then the other before diving over the try line. Carney was off target with his conversion attempt to leave Salford trailing 12-8 after 28 minutes.
The visitors restored parity in their next set when Robert Lui powered his way over the line. Lui took over the goal-kicking duties from Carney and duly added the extras to put Salford in front 14-12.
When Craig Kopczak hauled down Albert Kelly with the Hull man in possession of the ball, it gave Connor the chance to level the score at half-time at 14-14 with a 30-metre penalty.
Hull regained the lead seven minutes into the second half with a well-crafted score. Connor's kick was timed perfectly for Fetuli Talanoa to climb high, gather the ball and ground it before Salford could react. Connor converted for a 20-14 lead.
Connor was highly influential for Hull, deputising for Marc Sneyd, and he found a way over the line shortly after Talanoa's try. And from in front of the posts, his right boot made it 26-14 for Lee Radford's side.
Hull were in control of the game and extended their lead further on the hour mark when Connor's third try assist allowed Tuimavave over for his second try of the night. Connor's perfect night continued with his sixth successful kick from six to push Hull further in front 32-14.
Vatuvei scored a consolation unconverted try with 13 minutes remaining, but it was to be Hull's night to celebrate.
